What you need to know about Automobile Recalls

In 2015, automakers issued recalls for more than 51 million vehicles in nearly 900 campaigns according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many recalls are related to a known safety issue, so please take recall notices seriously and take your car in for the necessary service. A minor fix could make a major difference in safety and performance of your car.

How do I know if car is subject to a recall?

The NHTSA maintains a current database of auto recalls. To learn if your vehicle has been recalled, click here and simply enter the vehicle’s year, make and model in the selection of boxes. You can also search using your 17-digit Vehicle Information Number (VIN). VIN plates are attached to the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle and visible through the windshield. It is also printed on a sticker inside of the driver’s door or doorframe.

What should I do if I receive a recall notice?

In the event of a recall, vehicle owners will receive a notice in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer or the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. Oftentimes the official notice comes a few weeks or months after the recall was issued, so that the manufacturer has time to notify its dealers of recall procedures and ensure the availability of repair parts. The notice will provide you with recall specifics and instructions to schedule your vehicle for service. Typically you will need to take your car to a dealership and there is no charge for the recall service.

Save Repair Receipts

If you have a possible defect repaired, but your vehicle hasn’t been recalled, be sure to save your receipt and other service documents. If the vehicle is later recalled for that specific problem, you may be eligible for a reimbursement for repair expenses from the automaker.

Learn More about Recalls

You can learn more about the recall process and your rights and responsibilities as a vehicle owner by viewing this NHTSA publication.

Remember, if your vehicle is recalled, have the necessary repairs performed as quickly as possible. Failure to act could leave you and others unnecessarily vulnerable to a potential safety risk. Please contact me anytime with questions you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.

Why state minimum auto insurance is not enough

The state minimum auto insurance limits in AZ are 15/30/10. That is $15,000 in coverage per person for injuries you cause to others / $30,000 in total coverage for injuries you cause to others per accident / $10,000 in property coverage for damage you cause to others car or property.

First lets talk about the $15,000 / $30,000 coverage. If you are at fault in an accident and injure the other party, the max your insurance will pay out for those injuries to other is $15,000 per person or $30,000 for all injured persons in that accident. These injuries are both short term and long term and can include ambulance costs (min $1000), visit to an emergency room, immediate treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, lost wages and other treatments. You are personally responsible for any costs above these amounts. Did you know that the difference between $15,000/$30,000 and $25,000/$50,000 averages only 10% of your liability costs for 40% more coverage?

The average claim in 2013 for bodily injury in a car accident was $15,443

The average property claim in 2013 was $3231

REMEMBER, THESE ARE AVERAGE 2013 NUMBERS, NOT 2017 NUMBERS

Now, lets talk about property damage. State minimum in AZ is $10,000 per accident. With all the new advancements in automobile technology, like sensors in the bumpers, xenon headlights, and crash avoidance technology in vehicles, $10,000 might not even cover a bumper and fender on one car, let alone a multiple car accident. Yes, you are then personally responsible for any amount over the $10,000. Did you know that the difference between $10,000 in coverage and $25,000 in coverage is less that $3.00 every 6 months?

Are drones covered under most personal insurance policies?

Under most homeowners/renters/condo policies, drones are protected from the following perils:

• fire
• theft
• lightning,
• smoke
• wind and hail
• explosion
• freezing of plumbing
• falling objects

However, they MUST be for personal use not business use. Check with your own insurance agent to verify that they are covered on your personal policy.

February is "National Insure Your Love Month"

The Gift Of Life Insurance

Flowers and candy are an easy way to say “I love you,” but sometimes it’s the less romantic gifts that let your loved ones know they come first. Life insurance is a great example: it’s a gift you purchase exclusively for those you love.

If your family depends on your income, if you have outstanding debts, or if you simply want your final expenses covered, consider life insurance.

February is National Insure Your Love Month. While a shiny new life insurance policy won’t replace a candlelit dinner, it can help provide your loved ones peace of mind today and financial protection for the future.

Are digital insurance ID cards valid in AZ

Are digital insurance cards on your cell phone valid proof of insurance in AZ? The answer, according to the AZ DMV, is YES.

Your life might someday depend on this free app for your cell phone.

And they say the best things in life aren't free.

I came across this free app about 18 months ago and truly believe EVERYONE should have it on their phone. It is called  ICE STANDARD ER 911 - IN CASE OF EMERGENCY and it allows you to put your emergency information on your phone's lock screen wallpaper, in case you are in an accident or have a medical emergency. Even if your phone is in the locked position, first responders are able to view your pertinent medical information

 On my phone, I have the following information:

• My name
• Blood type
• Emergency contacts name and numbers
• Health conditions
• Medications I take
• Allergies
• Medical insurance information
• Other info ( I list my doctor's name and phone number)

Pet's and hidden dangers

If you have a pet, it is likely you consider them to be a member of the family. We protect our human loved ones from danger, so it makes sense that we want to prevent any harm from coming to our animal loved ones as well. Take a look around your home to make sure that you are taking the right steps to help protect your pets.
Poisons – For cats and dogs, rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common source of poisoning. However, there are many others to keep in mind, including (but not limited to):

• Human medications – many can be toxic to your pet, such as ibuprofen, cold medicine and vitamins
• Antifreeze with ethylene glycol – this has a sweet taste and attracts animals, but can be deadly
• Certain plants – Lilies, mistletoe, azalea and hibiscus are just a few of the plants that can be harmful to your pet. For a more complete list, visit the Humane Society list

Around the House

• Birds are particularly sensitive to many household fumes, such as aerosol sprays, self-cleaning ovens and certain types of overheated cookware
• Open windows – cats have poor depth perception and can fall from an upper floor window, causing injury or even death. Open windows are also an easy escape route for a loose bird

Prevention Tips

• Keep an eye out – when you’re gardening, in the car, having a guest over, cleaning the house or doing any other activity, keep tabs on your pets
• Keep the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center hotline number near your phone (888-426-4435). It is available on a fee basis
• Keep your vet’s phone numbers (regular and after hours) handy as well

There are many more steps you can take to help prevent harm to your pet. Consider resources like the Humane Society or ASPCA websites for more information.